List of stores helps police connect suspected thieves to thefts at 25 Walmart stores in three states

BRIMFIELD TOWNSHIP, Ohio - Police said a list of stores two thieves had on them when arrested at an Ohio Walmart helped connect them to thefts at dozens of stores in three states.

Brimfield Police Chief David Oliver said 38-year-old Richard Scalise and 34-year-old James Austin, both of Monroeville, Pa., were taken into custody Wednesday.

Oliver said officers were initially alerted by security at a Portage County Walmart about two men trying to return merchandise stolen from a different Walmart store. Once the men were arrested, the investigation revealed that the suspects were allegedly stealing from stores in Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia – about 25 stores altogether.

According to Oliver, officers recovered eight fraudulent Nevada driver’s licenses, numerous stolen items and a list of locations where the two suspects allegedly committed thefts.

Oliver said thefts at the following stores are connected to the suspects:

-         Brimfield, Ohio
-         Ravenna, Ohio
-         Liberty Township, Ohio
-         Boardman Township, Ohio
-         Youngstown, Ohio
-         Austintown, Ohio
-         Steubenville, Ohio
-         East Liverpool, Ohio
-         Weirton, W.Va.
-         Hermitage, Pa.
-         Cranberry, Pa.
-         Greenville, Pa.

Scalise and Austin have been charged with engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, possession of criminal tools and four counts of receiving stolen property. They’re being held in the Portage County Jail.